8B The passive

A Complete the text with the passive form of the verbs in brackets.

The Segway 1 (invent) by Dean Kamen in 2001.

The device 2
(operate) by the user shifting weight
forwards and backwards on a platform. When the handlebars
3
(turn), the device moves left or right. The Segway
4
(drive) by an electric motor and can travel up
to 20.1 km/h. Since their invention, Segways 5
(use) in theme parks, warehouses, airports and even by the police.
However, in spite of optimistic sales predictions, only 50,000 devices 6
(buy) by 2009. At present, in many countries you
7
(not allow) to use Segways on public roads. If this
changes in the future, undoubtedly many more 8
(sell). In 2010, the Segway company 9 (purchase)
by James Heselden. Unfortunately, he 10
(kill) later that year when he rode his
Segway over a cliff.

B Complete the questions with the correct passive form of the verbs in brackets.
1 How do you feel if your bus or train (delay)?
2 (you / drive) to school this morning?
3 (you / pick up) after school today?
4 Do you know when the next Tour de France
(hold)?
5 Do you think most car accidents (cause) by
men?
6 (you / involve) in a traffic accident?
7 (your luggage / search) by customs the last time
you travelled by plane?
8 Do you know someone who (give) a fine for
speeding?
9 If you found out your new bike (steal), how would
you feel?
10 Do you think you (teach) to drive by your mum or
dad in the future?

C Work in pairs. Ask and answer the questions from B. Give as much information
as possible in your answers.

How do you feel if your bus

or train is delayed?

Really irritated! My train was delayed yesterday

and I was told off by the teacher for being late!

Solutions 2nd edition  Intermediate © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS • PHOTOCOPIABLE

 8B The passive
Aims  To review and practice passive forms
Time  10−15 minutes
Materials  1 handout for each student
• As a lead-in, elicit what students know about the Segway.
• Give each student a copy of the handout and ask them to do
task A. Check answers and review passive forms.
1 was invented 6 had been bought
2 is operated 7 aren’t allowed
3 are turned 8 will be sold
4 is driven 9 was purchased
5 have been used 10 was killed
• Ask students to do task B and check answers.
1 is delayed
2 Were you driven
3 Are you being picked up
4 will be held / is being held
5 are caused
6 Have you (ever) been involved
7 Was your luggage searched
8 has been given
9 had been stolen
10 will be taught
• Divide the class into pairs and ask them to do task C. Before
they begin, read the example together and encourage them
to give full answers. Circulate and monitor, ensuring that
passive forms are being used accurately.
• Get some feedback from a few students on the most
interesting answer their partner gave.

Solutions 2nd edition  Intermediate © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS